Self-Harm
What is self-harm?
Self-harm is where someone does something to deliberately hurt themselves when
they find things difficult to cope with. It can include things like:
Cutting
Overdosing (self-poisoning)
Hitting (self and others)
Burning or scalding
Picking or scratching skin
Pulling hair
Ingesting toxic substances (like bleach)
Eating disorders
Who does it?
There is not one type of person who self-harms. It does not depend on sex, age,
religion or background. Both sexes self-harm, but their methods may be different,
for example males may engage in behaviours such as fighting. Both adults and
young people can self-harm. LGBTQ young people, those who have been abused or
witnessed Domestic Violence, have been in care / adopted, identify as emo, been
bullied or experienced parental substance misuse are potentially more at risk of
self-harm or other mental health concerns.
Why do they do it?
People self-harm for a number of reasons. Something might have happened to
make them feel bad about things. This could be stress or anxiety, friendship or
relationship difficulties, isolation or loneliness, low self-esteem, questioning
sexuality or gender.
But often there is no known cause or trigger.
Speak out and get help
If you are worried about or know anyone self-harming it is very important that you
talk to someone about it.
If you are self harming, you are not alone and there IS help available and it is very
important for you to get the support you need and deserve. Talking to someone can
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help how you are feeling, your loved ones and close friends are there to support
you, if you don’t feel you can confide in anyone then you can always go and talk
confidentially to your GP and get medical help.
A Savvy Kernow approved service will treat you with dignity, respect and
confidentially.
More information about getting help / support
Download our leaflet about self-harm written with help from young people in
Cornwall.
Signposts
Getting Help Locally
Kooth - Free online support for young people in Cornwall
Mind Your Way - Mental health and wellbeing services for young people in Cornwall
Search for your local GP surgery
National Support Websites
The National Self Harm Network - This forum provides crisis support, information
and resources, advice, discussions and distractions.
LifeSIGNS - User-led information and support for people who self harm
Epic Friends - How do you know a friend is self harming and what can you do to help
them...
Self Injury Support - Supports girls and women affected by self harm
selfharmUK - Online support and information about self harm
Harmless - Support and information for people who self harm
YoungMinds - The voice for young people's mental health and wellbeing
Childline - For more information about self harm
Created 16 June 2017
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